Date(s) Hiked: Sunday, November 14, 2004
Trails(s) Hiked: Greeley Ponds Trail to Osceola Trail
Total Distance: ~7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous due to the conditions and my full pack
Conditions: Mostly Ice
Special Required Equipment: Crampons, Ice Axe
Trip Report: I'll expound on the details later, but thought I'd at least let everyone know that winter conditions are prevalent. The approach and first quarter of Osceola Trail were fine; bare ground. After that, though, things were nothing but ice for the rest of the way up; either ice from compressed snow or water ice from seep springs and run-off. The snow isn't deep -- maybe 6 inches in spots, and it's useless to gain any real purchase on.
Luckily, I brought all my gear with me, so I stepped into my crampons and didn't have any problems. You'll need an axe for the steeper pitches. I met another 8 people on the way up, and most of them had to turn around at various points. Only four people, including me, made it to the top yesterday. Since I was the only one there with crampons, the other folks were relegated to walking off the trail in places where the water ice was too trecherous, or sliding down on their fannies where it was too rocky. Too risky, if you ask me.
I had the summit all to myself, as well as the whole mountain upon descent. I didn't see another soul once I passed two guys on their way down. I hiked that last 2 hours in the dark.
So if you go, go prepared and you'll have a great time!
Trails(s) Hiked: Greeley Ponds Trail to Osceola Trail
Total Distance: ~7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous due to the conditions and my full pack
Conditions: Mostly Ice
Special Required Equipment: Crampons, Ice Axe
Trip Report: I'll expound on the details later, but thought I'd at least let everyone know that winter conditions are prevalent. The approach and first quarter of Osceola Trail were fine; bare ground. After that, though, things were nothing but ice for the rest of the way up; either ice from compressed snow or water ice from seep springs and run-off. The snow isn't deep -- maybe 6 inches in spots, and it's useless to gain any real purchase on.
Luckily, I brought all my gear with me, so I stepped into my crampons and didn't have any problems. You'll need an axe for the steeper pitches. I met another 8 people on the way up, and most of them had to turn around at various points. Only four people, including me, made it to the top yesterday. Since I was the only one there with crampons, the other folks were relegated to walking off the trail in places where the water ice was too trecherous, or sliding down on their fannies where it was too rocky. Too risky, if you ask me.
I had the summit all to myself, as well as the whole mountain upon descent. I didn't see another soul once I passed two guys on their way down. I hiked that last 2 hours in the dark.
So if you go, go prepared and you'll have a great time!